Steak, Lobster, endless wines, served in an interior to die-for!
We discussed which restaurant we would like to write about for our first Dining experience post. Both agreeing at the same time, on restaurant RED.
RED is located on the Keizersgracht Canal on the Amsterdam Nine Streets (filled with small eateries and boutique shops). My first visit here was for a romantic birthday meal. My partner knew that I loved seafood, and elegant restaurants, and this place matched both seamlessly.
Vouching itself as delivering "Parisian ambience in the heart of Amsterdam" , you enjoy the contrast of the calm dazzling interior, to the Amsterdammers strolling or cycling by on the boutique streets, all from the glance through the stunning panoramic windows.
The Interior
I am a real sucker for all things interior. But when a restaurant really catches my breath, it sticks with me. The ambience and colour palette is warm, held by the dark greens, velvet's, large mirrors, art and wood pieces. The roof is breathtaking - an art work in itself, which lights up the room. One of the reasons we choose to return here when we can, isn't just the mouthwatering food or great service, but the fact that we really enjoy the experience of the restaurant itself - it feels like coming home to a cosy dinner at the end of a long day. And in the winter months , when it is snowing outside on the canals, it is truly magical.
The Food
The Unique concept of Lobster & Tournedos (Fillet Beef) at this standard, is hard to find in Amsterdam, a real royal Surf & Turf. We always start our meal with a fresh crisp glass of Prosecco/Champagne if we are feeling luxurious! Followed with a starter of the Lobster Bisque - we really can't recommend this enough, the flavours in the bisque are unreal and we literally won't go here without ordering it with our menu! The Surf & Turf with Lobster is always our number 1 choice. The quality of the meat and garlic freshness of the thick 1/2 lobster is perfectly paired and a great portion size, served with unlimited Fries (but we never need to order more than it is served with!). We opt for a liquid dessert of Baileys over ice and an Espresso Martini, if you want to retire to the canal-side to drink, they also have an outdoor seating area, but we prefer the warmth and comfort of the indoors.
The service throughout is really personal, and although the restaurant has a sort of fine-dining feel about it, the service is really friendly and informal (one of the things that really lifts the experience to a higher level).
Red On Tour
We also wanted to mention that whilst in Lockdown due to Corona Virus, the restaurant (thankfully!) started to do meal deliveries. As we couldn't go to the restaurant for my birthday, my family treated us to a "dine-from-home" experience. It was so amazing that we then went on to do this again for a group of 8 of us from the comfort of our own home, for a friends leaving dinner.
The presentation when the delivery arrives, is in itself impressive. A huge brown box with a RED bow, feels like Christmas!... The delivery came with a menu, and everything you would receive on a dine-in experience, at RED (including a table cloth, with a sweet message from the staff written on, napkins, RED business cards) ready to set the table and scene... You can choose from the Steak Box, Lobster Box or Vega Box and we went for Steak each time but some of our friends chose the Lobster which was also delicious. The starter was a smooth Carpaccio (melt in the mouth), 150 gram Tournedos Main course served with Potatoes and veggies, and to finish, a rich chocolate Fondant (at only €35 PP, €42.50 for the Lobster Box). We simply had to heat the Steak/Lobster for the required time and we were ready to serve... They seem to now be making this a permanent delivery option and delivery in the following cities : Amsterdam, Haarlem, Aerdenhout, Bentveld, Heemstede, Overveen, Bloemendaal
Thank you Restaurant RED for not only making so many special occasions memorable (in and out of lockdown!) but for giving us the best experience each time we visit.
We hope to see you again soon!
Address: Keizersgracht 594, 1017 EN Amsterdam
Website: www.restaurantred.nl
(Sister restaurants include Bleu Amsterdam, BLACK and Black & Blue.)
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